COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community outreach is the activity associated with educating
and involving the community in an endeavor. In the case of solid
waste and recycling, community outreach is an important element,
helping to better inform the public on the benefits of recycling,
and helping to involve the entire community effort in sustaining
the environment.

Community outreach is a required program of the Citys Source Reduction and
Recycling Element, a plan filed with the State agency enforcing the States 50% solid
waste diversion mandate. The State requires that all cities have the means, and the
plan, to involve and inform their community through outreach to the residents and
businesses.

In 2001, the City of Paso Robles joined the San Luis Obispo
County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA). Among
the many benefits of joining are the increased public outreach
programs. One of the most requested and successful is the
School Based Education Program. The program includes field
trips, guest speakers, presentations and a composting/garden
program for schools. Resources such as newsletters, books
and videos are also available to schools and teachers. Visit
the IWMA's
School Based Education Program page for details and contact
information.